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August 24, 2005
Mercedes ML 320 CDI beats Lexus RX 400hybrid
I have been saying all along that the hybrid numbers are funny. They are based on flat track driving. Not real world driving. When you add hills, the mileage goes WAY down because you are dragging around an extra motor and battery pack. This recent cross country test: Green Car Congress: Diesel Bests Hybrid in Cross-Country Fuel Consumption Test shows that a diesel SUV was 10% better mileage than the hybrid. Further proof of my assumption that in heavier vehicles the diesel, especially biodiesel, will be MUCH better than a hybrid. Go Mercedes!
Posted by Martin at August 24, 2005 10:04 AM
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Comments
To be fair, the hybrid would do much better in the city, especially with a lot of stop & start driving (electric-only mode, idle-stop). It also has cleaner emissions (SULEV) than the diesel.
Posted by: MGR at August 25, 2005 1:29 PM
I'd like to hear more about the total lifecycle impacts of the battery component of hybrids. What is involved in production, disposal?
Posted by: Rob Elam at August 25, 2005 9:44 PM
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